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Lemon Rolls with Lemon Glaze and Poppy Seeds Recipe

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3.8 from 7 reviews

These Lemon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with fresh lemon zest both in the dough and the sweet filling. Enhanced with a buttery lemon sugar swirl and topped with a tangy lemon glaze, they make a perfect breakfast treat or a delightful dessert with bright citrus flavor and a tender crumb.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (530g), plus additional flour as needed
  • 4 1/2 tsp (2 packets) instant dry yeast (14g)
  • 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
  • 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (240g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces, room temperature (113g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest (zest of 2 large lemons) (6g)

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest (zest of 2 large lemons) (6g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)

Icing Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered sugar (250g)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60g)
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (28g)
  • Fresh lemon zest (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 4 1/4 cups flour, instant dry yeast, poppy seeds if using, and salt. Mix to blend the dry ingredients.
  2. Prepare Buttermilk Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, granulated sugar, and butter pieces. Microwave for 1 minute until the butter mostly melts. Stir to combine, ensuring the mixture is warm but not hot to preserve the yeast’s activity.
  3. Mix Dough Ingredients: Gradually pour the warm buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing at medium speed using a dough hook or dough whisk. The dough will be sticky at this point.
  4. Add Eggs and Lemon Zest: Mix in the eggs one at a time on medium-low speed until fully incorporated forming a sticky dough ball. Continue mixing for several minutes until dough becomes elastic. Then add fresh lemon zest and mix until evenly distributed.
  5. Add Additional Flour: Add flour one tablespoon at a time while the dough is mixing until it starts pulling away from the bowl sides, generally about 3 tablespoons more. The dough should feel tacky but not sticky when poked with a finger.
  6. Rest Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let the dough rest for 10-20 minutes to relax and become easier to roll out.
  7. Make Lemon Filling: While the dough rests, combine granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and lemon zest in a bowl. Rub the zest into the sugar to release the oils, creating an aromatic mixture. Add softened butter and whisk until smooth.
  8. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the rested dough into a rectangle approximately 12 inches by 18 inches and about 1/2 cm thick.
  9. Apply Filling: Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border along one long edge to help seal the roll.
  10. Shape Rolls: Starting from the long side opposite the border, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use dental floss to cut the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them spaced in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan.
  11. First Rise in Oven: Turn the oven off and cover the rolls with foil. Place the pan in the warm oven to let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes until puffed and larger.
  12. Bake the Rolls: Remove the foil and turn the oven on to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 28-32 minutes until golden brown.
  13. Prepare Lemon Icing: Whisk powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth and creamy.
  14. Glaze and Serve: Let the rolls cool for 10-20 minutes, then spoon the lemon icing over the rolls. Garnish with fresh lemon zest before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure the buttermilk mixture is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • If you don’t have dental floss, use a sharp knife to slice the rolls, but floss gives cleaner cuts.
  • Resting the dough makes rolling easier and improves texture.
  • The poppy seeds are optional but add a nice texture and subtle flavor.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
  • The first rise in the turned-off oven creates a warm, draft-free environment that helps the dough rise evenly.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/lemon-rolls-with-lemon-glaze-and-poppy-seeds-recipe/